DE69838225T2 - CORDLESS COMMUNICATION WITH AN AIR-SUPPORTED AGENCY - Google Patents

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

These The invention relates generally to wireless communication and more specifically, wireless communication using an air-based switching node.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In this information age there is a need for communication systems, the connectivity and capacity deploy to meet increasing user demands. data-intensive Applications such as remote processing, Internet surfing, multimedia communications and others burden the existing communication infrastructure considerably. The public Selbstwählferndienstnetz (SWFD), remote data networks and other developed wireline and wireless networks can do not meet these requirements.

One Approach to increase of connectivity and capacity is to upgrade existing terrestrial infrastructure. New Terrestrial systems include wireless data services in PCS (personal communications service) frequency band, data transmission over for cable television installed coaxial cable or a set of digital subscriber line services over for telephone networks installed twisted wire pairs. These terrestrial solutions require considerable time to prepare and install the infrastructure, before the service can be provided, and also require an expensive maintenance of the equipment due to vandalism, lightning, deployment changes, Frequency reassignments and the retuning of Radio Frequency (RF) - or HF) facilities. Furthermore suffer terrestrial solutions at Rayleigh fading (Rayleigh fading) caused by noise scattering of terrain and buildings is caused and of a high dynamic range and powerful Facilities required to ex treme variations in the received signal strength to compensate.

One different approach to increase of connectivity and capacity is to upgrade the satellite-based infrastructure that in geosynchronous orbit (GEO) and near-earth orbit (LEO) is working. Like terrestrial systems, satellite systems often take years, to be complete to develop, in particular LEO systems with large constellation. Besides that is expensive to maintain or upgrade satellite systems. Accordingly contain satellite systems proven Communication technology that is designed to be in a tough Radiation environment reliable which greatly increases system costs and system capacity significantly reduced. Satellite systems also suffer from limited weight and weight power capacity and do not succeed, the desired Provide circuit density to densely populated areas supply.

document D1, DJUKNIC: "Establishing wireless communications services via high-altitude aeronautical platforms: A concept of their time has come ", IEEE COMMUNICATIONS MAGAZINE, September 1997, Vol. 35, No. 9, pages 128-135, discloses an aerial platform greater Height, the no mediation ability has and only communications between a user and one Ground station forwards. The platform of document D1 can not perform direct communication between two users, since the switching equipment is grounded.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The The invention relates to a system as claimed in claim 1 and a method as claimed in claim 21.

In an embodiment of the present invention an airborne switching node located on an aircraft for Providing communication for a service area having a Number of cells a phased array antenna, the one Number of beams electronically on the cells in the service area directed. A switch couples from a first cell received data to the antenna for transmission to a second Cell. A payload adapter mechanically adjusts the orientation of the antenna dependent on the aircraft movement to get the rays on the cells in to the service area.

In yet another embodiment of the present invention, an apparatus communicates with an airborne switching node located on an aircraft. The airborne agent The node contains a phased array antenna which electronically directs a beam at a cell containing the device. The apparatus includes an antenna to receive packet data transmitted in the beam and an RF unit coupled to the antenna. The apparatus further comprises a network interface unit coupled to the RF unit for extracting the packet data and an information device coupled to the network interface unit for processing the packet data.

Technical Advantages of the present invention include an airborne switching node (airborne switching node, ASN) carried by an aircraft, that in a big one Height (e.g. 52,000 to 60,000 feet) above one Service area circles. The ASN provides communication services for terrestrial device ready, such as subscriber devices and transfer devices, the are in cells of the service area. subscriber devices include customer terminals (customer premises equipment, CPE) and business premises equipment (business premises equipment, BPE), the voice, video and data at broadband and / or narrowband speeds process and transmit. Transition facilities work, around the ASN with the public Selbstwählferndienstnetz (SWFD), Internet Service Providers (ISPs), Cable or video service providers or other networks within or outside the service area of the ASN.

Other embody important technical advantages of the present invention an ASN with a phased array antenna, the beams electronically to predefined geographic cells in the service area directed. The phased array antenna holds rays on selected cells upright or frequent Beam handovers between cells while ready the ASN about circles around the service area. In a particular embodiment contains the ASN has a memory that allocates between rays and Served cells stores, and a packet switch that on these Memory accesses to beam handovers to compensate. additionally for electronic beam control using the phased array Multiple antenna, the ASN can also contain an adapter that the Orientation of the antenna mechanically adjusts to the rays to direct the cells in the service area.

Of the ASN eliminates the need for base station equipment and base station facilities operating with terrestrial systems connected, such as antenna towers, cell site buildings and Cell site land. In a particular embodiment, compounds have a minimal line of sight between terrestrial devices and the ASN (Line-of-sight, LOS) of about 20 ° to disorders from terrestrial systems. In a particular embodiment is an isolation between ASN communication and other terrestrial Systems sufficient to reuse from terrestrial To allow frequencies such as the frequency band of the local multipoint distribution service (local multipoint distribution service, LMDS). The ASN also eliminates significant "backhaul" infrastructure the use of transfer devices, for direct access to the SWFD, the ISPs and other network interfaces provide. The ASN also benefits from higher horsepower, increased payload capacity and one less complicated heat management system and heightened Subscriber density compared to satellite systems.

The The present invention also provides a rapidly deployable and flexible Technology ready to modular and scalable communication services with sufficient circuit density for high population areas provide. An application maps an ASN-based communication network for emergency or military Use quickly and use them quickly. As an aircraft fleet (e.g., three aircraft in eight-hour shifts) communication provide benefits for every aircraft and the associated ASN continuous maintenance, modifications and upgrades, to lighter, cheaper and to incorporate faster digital communication technologies. Because the aircraft in large Heights works, supports the ASN as well High frequency, LOS communication links low attenuation to satellites or other ASNs serving adjacent areas. Other technical advantages are apparent to those skilled in the art from the following Figures, descriptions and claims readily apparent.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a more complete understanding the present invention and for Other features and advantages will now be apparent from the following description in conjunction with the attached Drawings in which:

1 represents a communication system containing an airborne switching node (ASN),

2 represents detailed components of the communication system,

3 illustrates a variety of communication protocols and devices supported by devices connected by the ASN,

4 representing the ASN coupled to an aircraft ASN,

5 detailed components of the ASN,

6 detailed components of a device that communicates with the ASN,

7 represents the service area of the communication system, and

8th represents the frequency division multiplexing method used in the communication system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION THE INVENTION

1 shows a communication system 10 that an aircraft 12 containing an airborne switching node (ASN) 14 to provide communication services to a number of terrestrial devices operating in a service area 16 are arranged. The terrestrial devices include subscriber devices, such as customer premises equipment (CPE). 18 and business premises equipment (BPE) 20 , as well as transfer devices 22 , General notes the ASN 14 wireless broadband and / or narrowband communication between a number of devices in the service area 16 ready.

A high-wearing composite aircraft 12 carries the ASN 14 in a predefined orbit or circular path 30 over the service area 16 , The orbit 30 may be circular, elliptical, a figure-eight configuration, or any other suitable orbit to the ASN 14 over the service area 16 to keep arranged. By circulating at high altitudes for extended periods of time, the aircraft represents 12 a stable platform for the ASN 14 ready to implement a wireless cellular communication network. In a particular embodiment, the aircraft stops 12 maintain a station at a height of between 52,000 and 60,000 feet by flying in a circle approximately 5 to 8 miles in diameter. Three aircraft 12 , each of which is flying eight-hour missions, can have continuous communication skills for the service area 16 deploy for 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

The aircraft 12 and the associated ASN 14 can provide coverage of up to 2800 square miles of metropolitan area with a viewing angle of twenty degrees or greater to facilitate good line of sight (LOS) coverage at millimeter wave (MMW) frequencies of 20 GHz or higher. Operation at MMW frequencies enables the delivery of broadband communication services (eg, 1 Gbps to 10 Gbps) to subscriber devices in the service area 16 , Because the communication system 10 At MMW frequencies, very narrow and focused beamwidths can be used using small antenna apertures in the ASN 14 , CDP 18 , BPE 20 and the transfer devices 22 will be realized.

Because the aircraft 12 Circling over the bulk of the Earth's atmosphere, the ASN 14 a satellite connection 32 to satellites 34 in low earth orbit (LEO) and / or geosynchronous orbit (GEO). In a particular embodiment, the connection works 32 for a good immunity to ground-based interference in a 60 GHz band and allows the isolation of inter-satellite connections 36 , Neighboring ASNs 14 , the neighboring service areas 16 can supply via one or more satellites 34 using satellite links 32 and intermediate satellite connections 36 communicate or can communicate directly using an infrared, microwave or other suitable intermediate ASN connection 38 communicate. For the connections 36 Typically, the 60 GHz band is used because at this frequency there is too much absorption in the atmosphere to communicate with the ground. Because the ASN 14 but located above the bulk of the atmosphere, the 60GHz band also supports connections 32 from the ASN 14 to the satellite 34 , Interference between connections 32 and connections 36 are reduced because a very narrow beam would be used and there the connections 32 are oblique while the connections 36 are relatively horizontal. The service area 16 may be a metropolitan area, a designated emergency area, a military area, or other geographic area that requires wireless broadband and / or narrowband services.

The ASN 14 contains a phased array antenna that electronically beams 40 on cells 42 within the service area 16 directed. For discussion purposes and for clarity 1 radiate 40 that is on selected cells 42 are directed in the service area. The communication system 10 however, draws a continuous or discontinuous straightening of rays 40 to every area in the service area 16 considering. The service area 16 has a central sector 44 and a number of surrounding sectors 46 on, each one selected subset of cells 42 in the service area 16 contain. In a particular embodiment, each sector corresponds 44 and 46 another area of the phased array antenna of the ASN 14 , As will be described in more detail below, rays may 40 always specific cells 42 in certain sectors 44 and 46 be assigned, or rays 40 Can be moved or passed between cells while the aircraft is moving 12 and the ASN 14 through the orbit 30 move.

In a particular embodiment, the transition device reduces 22 in the middle sector 44 near the center of the orbit 30 is arranged, the inclination range or oblique distance between the transfer device 22 and the ASN 14 and thus the signal path length due to heavy rainfall. This arrangement ensures high availability of maximum data rates, higher availability of reduced data rates above an acceptable minimum and limited failures to small areas due to disruption of the signal path through dense rain columns. To increase the data rate and reliability, the gateway may 22 with the ASN 14 using a dedicated, high gain mechanical gimbal antenna (eg, parabolic) separate from the phased array antenna on the ASN 14 communicate the CPE 18 and the BPE 20 served.

That by the rays 40 from the ASN 14 Cellular patterns formed may use any suitable multiplexing or separation technique to eliminate interference between adjacent cells 42 to reduce. In a particular embodiment, each cell uses 42 a number of frequency subbands for communication with subscriber devices (eg CPE 18 and BPE 20 ), each frequency subband having an associated bandwidth for comminication in both the transmit and receive directions. In this embodiment, a separate sub-band supports communication between ASNs 14 and transition facilities 22 , Using the local multipoint distribution service (LMDS) band at 28 GHz, the communication system uses 10 the entire bandwidth in the service area 16 many times again, in order for the ASN 14 to reach a coverage of about 2800 square miles. The total capacity of the communication system 10 with a single ASN 14 can be 100 Gbps or larger. This capacity provides two-way broadband multimedia services, which are typically available only over terrestrial fiber optic networks.

The communication system 10 with the ASN 14 provides a variety of advantages over terrestrial or satellite systems. Unlike satellite systems, the communication system focuses 10 the full spectrum usage in certain geographic areas, which minimizes frequency coordination problems and enables frequency sharing with terrestrial systems such as LMDS. In addition, the ASN works 14 with a power high enough to provide broadband data access through the residential CPE 18 to enable. The ASN 14 eliminates the need for base station equipment and base station equipment associated with terrestrial systems, such as antenna towers, cell site buildings, and cell site land. The ASN 14 It also benefits from higher performance, increased payload capacity, a less complicated thermal management system and increased subscriber density compared to satellite systems. General represents the communication system 10 with the ASN 14 A ready-to-deploy and flexible technology ready to provide modular, scalable, upgradeable, and relatively low-cost communication services with sufficient circuit density for high-population areas.

In operation, the aircraft flies 12 in orbit 30 to the ASN 14 at an altitude above the service center 16 to keep. The phased array antenna in the ASN 14 directs electronically beams 40 on cells 42 in sectors 44 and 46 of the service area 16 , A source device (eg CPE 18 , BPE 20 , Transfer device 22 ), which are in a first cell 42 transmits using a first beam 40 who is the first cell 42 operated, data to the ASN 14 , A switching device in the ASN 14 couples the data received from the source device for transmission to a destination device (CPE 18 , BPE 20 , Transfer device 22 ), which are in a second cell 42 located by a second beam 40 is operated, to the phased array antenna. In this way, the ASN realizes 14 a star topology, around every two devices within the service area 16 to connect with each other.

In a particular embodiment, the target device could also be in the same cell as the source device. The ASN 14 supports multiple subscriber channels in a given beam 40 Each channel is separated by time division multiple access (TDMA), code division multiple access (CDMA), frequency division multiple access (FDMA) or other suitable channel separation technique. For communication between participants in the same beam 40 receives the ASN 14 Packet data from the originating device in the first cell 42 and forwards the packet data to a second party in the first cell for transmission 42 to the antenna for channel-to-channel communication within the same beam 40 to enable.

Most service areas 16 (eg metropolitan areas, emergency areas, military areas) will fit in a range of 40 to 60 miles in diameter. Several networked ASNs 14 however, may provide overlapping coverage in areas that exceed this size or require increased capacity. For example, four or more ASNs 14 Provide an overlapping coverage area for the New York City metropolitan area to provide higher reliability connections and reduce the blocking factor to service requirements.

The communication system 10 provides different classes of services. A typical consumer service for the CPE 18 can span 1 Mbps to 5 Mbps connections while a typical BPE business service 20 5 Mbps to 12.5 Mbps per service connection. Using an asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) or other packet-switched protocol, these connections provide bandwidth on demand (BOD) such that the total available spectrum between different active sessions with CPEs 18 and BPEs 20 can be shared in time. The nominal data rates may be low while the peak data rates would expand to a specified level. Reconciliation facilities 22 For example, similar time shared BOD links or "higher priority" dedicated links may be from 25 Mbps to 155 Mbps or higher. The capacity for a typical communication system 10 is 10,000 to 75,000 simultaneous symmetric T1 circuits (1.5 Mbps) for each ASN 14 , Therefore, the total urban and rural coverage includes from a single ASN 14 100,000 to 750,000 participants in a service area of 40 to 60 miles in diameter (1250 to 2800 square miles).

2 shows components in the communication system 10 detail. General notes the ASN 14 the hub of a star topology network for forwarding packet data between any two devices in the service area 16 A single jump over the ASN 14 includes two compounds 50 where each connection 50 the ASN 14 with a CPE 18 , BPE 20 or a transfer device 22 coupled. Packet data enables both connectionless and connection-oriented (eg, virtual circuits) communication, but in a particular embodiment, packet data comprises any packet, grouping, or arrangement of data transmitted in a connectionless environment, the bandwidth on demand (bandwith an demand, BOD). The connections 50 are broadband or narrowband, wireless and with line of sight.

CPE 18 , BPE 20 and the transfer device 22 (commonly referred to as devices) all perform similar functions. These devices contain a high-gain antenna, which is the ASN 14 automatically tracks to extract modulated signals over the link 50 be transmitted using MMW frequencies. Then, the devices convert the extracted signals into digital data, execute standards-based or proprietary data communication protocols, and relay the digital data to a variety of information devices. Even if the CPE 18 , BPE 20 and the transfer device 22 may vary in size, complexity and cost, some of the technologies and components in both hardware and software may be common to all designs. The CPE 18 provides a personal gateway to the communication system 10 ready to serve the consumer, and the BPE 20 Provides a reconciliation facility for businesses that require higher data rates. The transfer device 22 provides infrastructure and highly reliable high bandwidth communication to the ASN 14 , the CPE 18 and the BPE 20 with Internet Service Providers (ISPs) 52 , the SWFD 54 , Video and / or cable servers 56 and other local and long-distance network services. The ISPs 52 , the SWFD 54 and the video and / or cable servers 56 can be determined using suitable means or by the transfer means 22 via wireless or wired connections 58 high bandwidth, such as microwaves, optical cables or other suitable media, directly with the ASN 14 be coupled.

3 illustrates the variety of communication protocols and devices used by the communication system 10 get supported. The ASN 14 connects two devices or devices 100 using compounds 50 to provide up to broadband data services using MMW carrier frequencies. The devices 100 represent the collection of communication protocol and facilities that are in the CPE 18 , the BPE 20 and the transfer device 22 can be located.

Every device 100 contains a multiplexer 102 high bandwidth, with the connections 50 is coupled. The multiplexer 102 transmits packet data, such as ATM packets, between the connections 50 and a plurality of communication devices in the device 100 , In one embodiment, the multiplexer supports synchronous optical network (SONST) protocols such as OC-1 (52 Mbps), OC-3 (155 Mbps), OC-12 (622 Mbps) or other high bandwidth communication protocols , The use of standard SONET and ATM protocols in a packet-switched environment allows the ASN 14 Provide bandwidth-on-demand (BOD) services using a wide variety of voice, data, and video components. In addition, the ASN 14 as described below, includes an ATM packet switch that provides efficient, scalable and modular communication between devices 100 in the service area 16 promotes.

The multiplexer 102 is directly connected to the local area network (LAN) 104 coupled to video conferencing services 106 to support. The multiplexer 102 is also implemented using a fractional T1 connection that supports the V.35 protocol and a frame relay adapter 110 with the LAN 108 coupled. The device 100 also supports direct access to one or more computers 112 in a local or wide area network (WAN) through a connection between the multiplexer 102 and suitable bridging devices and / or routers 114 , The device 100 contains T1 connections to D4 channel banks 116 to a plain old telephone service (POTS) 118 , a local wireless service 120 through the adapter 122 or another through the D4 channel bank 116 supported voice, video or data service. The device 100 Also supports a POTS service through a direct connection between the multiplexer 102 and the POTS 124 and internal or external connections to trunk data networks using the data interface 126 ,

The device 100 in 3 represents certain communication protocols and devices, but it should be noted that the device 100 Each protocol and device can support the voice, video and data in the communication system 10 transfers or processes. For example, T1 links may have T3, E1, E3 or other suitable digital communication links. Similarly, the LAN can 104 , the LAN 108 and the computers 112 Implement Ethernet, high-speed Ethernet, Gigabit Ethernet, switched Ethernet, or another network protocol. In addition, the D4 channel banks 116 have any other suitable communication technology that provides an interface between the multiplexer 102 and a plurality of information networks and information devices provided in the device 100 contained and provided outside of this.

In operation, the ASN connects 14 the devices 100 to provide telephone and data communications, local wireless services, LAN / WAN (bridging / routing), graphical data transmission, video transmission and other systems, such as trunk data networks using the D4 channel bank 116 or the data interface 126 , The ASN 14 Transports frame relay, LAN / WAN, T1, V.35 and other traffic using packet switching, such as ATM switching. An important aspect of the present invention is the use of end-to-end ATM or ATM-like protocols to support packet data transport and switching at the ASN 14 , The communication of packet data by the devices 100 Promotes efficient use of bandwidth in the connection 50 and compensates for frequent beam shifts between cells in a particular embodiment 42 when the aircraft 12 and the ASN 14 over the service area 16 circling.

4 presents in more detail the ASN 14 that is on the aircraft 12 is attached. The aircraft 12 is a high-carrying composite aircraft that incorporates a twin-stream turbine air-jet propulsion that operates at high altitude (eg, 52,000 to 60,000 feet) for an extended period of time (eg, 8 to 12 hours). The aircraft 12 carries parts of the ASN 14 both within its hull and in a payload holder (payload pod) 150 under the fuselage of the aircraft 12 is suspended. The parts of the ASN 14 inside the fuselage of the aircraft 12 contain a cooling device 152 , an energy device 154 and a communication device 156 ,

The holder 150 contains a phased array antenna 160 that has a substantially horizontal section 162 characterized by an angled projecting edge 164 is surrounded. A number of send / receive pairs 166 are at the horizontal section 162 and the angled protruding edge 164 the antenna 160 assembled. In a particular embodiment, operate or ver provide send / receive pairs 166 standing at the horizontal section 162 are mounted, cells 42 in the central sector 44 of the service area 16 while transmitting / receiving pairs 166 attached to the angled protruding edge 164 are mounted, cells 42 in surrounding sectors 46 of the service area 16 operate or supply. The special arrangement of the send / receive pairs 166 at the antenna 160 , in the 4 shown supplies a central sector 44 and 8th surrounding sectors 46 , Each transmit / receive pair may comprise two 16 × 16, 30 inch square phased array antenna elements. Transmit / receive pairs 166 can at the antenna 160 be added, removed or arranged in a modular fashion to provide a variety of communication capabilities.

The holder 150 may also be a suitable, high gain, mechanically gimbaled umbilging antenna 168 for communication with each gateway 22 in the service area 16 contain. The antenna 168 may be parabolic with at least two gimbal axes to the antenna 168 on the transfer device 22 to judge. The antenna 168 faces the send / receive pairs 166 providing increased gain, resulting in higher data rates and increased reliability on connections between the ASN 14 and the transfer device 22 supplies. Like the send / receive pairs 166 may be a gateway antenna 168 be added, removed or arranged in a modular fashion to provide a variety of communication capabilities.

The antenna 160 generates platform-fixed beams, earth-fixed beams or a combination of platform-fixed and earth-fixed beams. For platform-fixed beams, each transmit / receive pair latches 166 a fixed field of view that is at a fixed angle with respect to the antenna 160 is aligned. The entire field of vision for the ASN 14 is the sum of the fields of view of the individual transmit / receive pairs 166 , The platform-fixed beam approach requires frequent beam passing while the beams 40 about the cells 42 swipe while the aircraft 12 and the ASN 14 over the service area 16 circling. A packet switching device in the communication device 156 compensates for beam passing by maintaining a connection between the beams 40 and the cells 42 passing through the rays 40 to be served. In a particular embodiment, the antenna controls 160 the Rays 40 electronically, to movements of the aircraft 12 to compensate and for the rays 40 over their associated cells 42 stable and fixated during the period in which they keep the cells 42 serve.

For earth-fixed beams, the antenna controls 160 every ray 40 electronically in such a way that he is on his associated cells 42 remains stationary while the aircraft 12 and the ASN 14 along the orbit 30 advancing. This approach has more electronic and physical complexity for the antenna 160 but reduces the load on the communication device 156 since beam deliveries can be greatly reduced or eliminated. Each send / receive pair 166 holds another field of view for control in the entire service area 16 upright to every ray 40 on a permanently designated or assigned cell 42 in the service area 16 to keep. The controllability of the rays 40 in either a platform-based or an earth-fixated approach, avoiding gaps in required coverage due to lakes, oceans, deserts, and sparsely populated areas may be possible. The antenna 160 can also use a hybrid approach that includes both platform-fixed and earth-fixed techniques.

The holder 150 is using an adapter 170 to the aircraft 12 coupled to the orientation of the antenna 160 mechanically adjusts to rays 40 on cells 42 in the service area 16 to judge. In one embodiment, the adapter includes 170 one or more gimbals, links, or other suitable mechanical coupling in the aircraft transverse axis, the aircraft's longitudinal axis, and / or the vertical axis to provide active or passive orientation adjustments that reflect the inclination of the aircraft 12 compensate while moving along the orbit 30 emotional. The adapter 170 can also actively compensate for fluctuations and other high-frequency aircraft movements to the antenna 160 in a substantially horizontal orientation. Using an ephemeral beam control technique, the adapter can 170 the antenna 160 around the axis 172 turn to a substantially constant compass orientation of the antenna 160 to maintain. In this embodiment, the adapter rotates 170 the antenna 160 at a speed substantially equal to the orbital speed of the aircraft 12 is.

5 represents the components of the ASN 14 in more detail. The below the aircraft 12 mounted holders 150 contains a Radio Frequency (RF) or Radio Frequency (RF) Transmitter module 200 and an RF or RF receiving module 202 for each sender / recipient pair 166 or the gateway antenna 168 , In addition to user data, the transmission module 200 and the receiving module 202 an uplink control channel and a downlink control channel, respectively. The holder 150 also contains a pilot transmitter, which is a pilot transmitter module 204 and an associated antenna 206 contains. The pilot transmitter sends a pilot signal 208 used by terrestrial antenna tracking and power control devices. In a particular embodiment, the pilot signal is 208 a single tone detected by a special tracking circuit on the terrestrial device.

The ASN 14 also includes a modem 210 and a multiplexer 212 for each send / receive pair 166 and the gateway antenna 168 , A switching device 214 that with each multiplexer 212 coupled, provides a connection of data in the communication system. The switching device 214 contains a database 216 containing information about each cell 42 in the service area 16 and associated rays 40 stores that of send / receive pairs 166 to service cells 42 be formed. Database 216 Also includes appropriate customer, addressing, routing and mapping information to perform asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) or other suitable packet switching method. Database 216 may include random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), magnetic or optical devices, or any other suitable memory. Common electronics 218 includes power supplies, processors and other hardware and software to support the operation of the ASN 14 ,

In operation, a source device transmits in a source cell 42 Packet data over the connection 50 to the ASN 14 , The send / receive pair 166 , which is a source ray 40 forms, which is the source cell 42 services, forwards the packet data for down-conversion and appropriate RF or RF processing to the receiving module 202 further. Then the demodulator extracts in the modem 210 the digital packet data and passes this information to the multiplexer 212 further. Using SONET or another suitable protocol, the multiplexer routes 212 the packet data for routing to the switch 214 further.

The switching device 214 obtains addressing or routing information from the packet data, associates this information with a particular subscriber or destination device, and determines an associated destination cell 42 and determines a target beam 40 who is the target cell 42 served. After determining the aiming beam 40 directs the switch 214 the packet data to the appropriate multiplexer 212 Next, the send / receive pair 166 that serves the aiming beam 40 forms. The multiplexer 212 combines the packet data with other packet data for the same send / receive pair 166 and passes this information to the modulator in the modem 210 for transfer to the transmitter module 200 , The send / receive pair 166 communicates the modulated RF signal containing the packet data using the destination beam 40 to the target cell 42 , The destination device receives the packet data and translates the packet data into digital information for further processing. The ASN 14 performs a similar communication function that the gateway device 22 and the gateway antenna 168 includes.

6 details the components of the CPE 18 , BPE 20 , the gateway device 22 and more generally the device 100 that with the ASN 14 communicated. Even though this discussion is on the design and operation of the CPE 18 can concentrate any device or device that is connected to the ASN 14 communicates, contain similar components and perform similar functions.

The CPE 18 contains a radio frequency (RF) or radio frequency (RF) unit 246 , a network interface unit (NIU) 248 and a variety of information devices 260 to 270 , The RF or RF unit 246 contains an antenna 250 (eg a parabolic 12 '' to 18 '' MMW antenna) equipped with a transmitter module 252 and a receiving module 254 is coupled. The NIU 248 contains a modem 256 that with the transmitter module 252 and the receiving module 254 coupled, and a multiplexer 258 coupled to a variety of information devices, such as end user devices (eg, a computer 260 , a telephone 262 , a video server 264 , a video terminal 266 , a video camera 268 ), Gateway devices (eg, a gateway interface 270 ) and other communication, display or processing equipment. The modem 256 in the NIU 248 includes an L-band tuner and down converter, a modulator and a demodulator.

In operation, the transmitter module accepts 252 an L-band (950 to 1950 MHz) intermediate frequency (IF) input signal from the modulator in the modem 256 , translates this signal into MMW frequencies, amplifies the signal using a power amplifier to a transmit power level of 100 mW to 500 mW and feeds the antenna 250 for transmission to the ASN 14 , The receiving module 254 one couples from the ASN 14 at the antenna 250 received signal to a low-noise amplifier, performs a downward conversion of the signal to an L-band IF and provides a subsequent gain and Ver Work through before the signal to the demodulator in the modem 256 is issued. Even if the transmitter module 252 and the receiving module 254 operating in broadband, these components typically process a single 40 MHz channel at a time. The modem 256 in the NIU 248 adjusts to a specific channel frequency.

The NIU 248 stands with the RF or HF unit 246 over a coaxial pair 270 connecting the L-band transmit and receive signals between the NIU 248 and the RF or RF unit 246 coupled. Every CPE 18 supports high data rates (eg OC-1 at 52 Mbps) in both the send and receive directions. In some applications, the CPE uses this 18 some of its bandwidth to accommodate frequency spread coding to improve the performance against noise.

The RF or RF unit 246 Also includes an antenna tracker with an antenna tracking module and an antenna actuator 282 to the antenna 250 on the ASN 14 to judge. The antenna tracking module 280 receives the tracking or pilot signal 208 that from the pilot station 204 in the ASN 14 is transmitted and generates commands for the antenna actuator 282 to the antenna 250 with the beam 40 to be aligned by an associated send / receive pair 166 in the ASN 14 is produced. In a particular embodiment, the antenna tracking module support 280 and the antenna actuator 282 a rotation around two axes to the ASN 14 to follow and align with this.

Most of the facilities in the CPE 18 including the antenna 250 , the transmitter module 252 , the receiving module 254 , the modem 256 and the multiplexer 258 , may be existing components that have already been developed for the local multipoint distribution service (LMDS) or other broadband data services. This reduces the cost of the CPE 18 As it would only result in minimal costs, the LMDS facilities adapt to the communication system 10 to work. Assuming an operation in the LMDS band (28 GHz), the CPE 18 only the antenna tracking module 280 and the antenna actuator 282 into an existing LMDS design.

7 represents the service area 16 for the communication system 10 Depending on the capacity, the geographical coverage area, the operating altitude of the ASN 14 and other operating parameters, the service area 16 an inner area 300 , a first edge area 302 and a second border area 304 contain. In a typical urban application, the inner area covers 300 a dense urban area, the transfer facilities 22 may contain the first edge area 302 covers a substantially suburban area and the second edge area 304 covers an essentially rural area.

The communication system 10 assumes that a minimal angle of view 306 between terrestrial devices and the other point on the orbit 30 generally higher than 20 °. This value corresponds to devices at the edge of the service area 16 , In contrast, mobile designers assume that the line of sight from one customer to the antenna of the next base station is less than a grand. The communication system 10 contains a large minimal angle of view 306 to ensure that devices have access to a solid angle from the aircraft 12 and the ASN 14 in orbit 30 fly, be swept over and that is free of dense objects. In addition, the minimum viewing angle represents 306 a relatively short transmission path ready to promote high service availability during heavy rainfall. The minimum angle 306 allows the communication system 10 also to share a common spectrum identified for terrestrial wireless networks, such as LMDS operating at 28GHz. An isolation between the communication system 10 and a terrestrial system operating in the same band increases in transmission at higher frequencies using narrower beams. A second view 308 defines the inner area 300 of the service area 16 , In a particular embodiment, the communication system orders 10 the transfer facilities 22 within the inner area 300 to ensure reliable, continuous communication even during heavy rainfall and dense cloud cover.

The size and shape of the service area 16 (eg inner area 300 , first edge area 302 , second border area 304 ) and the viewing angles 306 and 308 change when the aircraft 12 at different locations within the business area 310 is working. This allows the aircraft 12 the ASN 14 in different heights and in different orbits 300 contributes to an adjustment in terms of user density and the size of the service area 16 make.

8th In more detail, the frequency division multiplexing method used in the communication system 10 is used. In a particular embodiment, the frequency plan achieves a 5: 1 reuse factor in the entire service area 16 , Using the LMDS tape as an example has a broadcast band 350 five 60 MHz transmit subbands 352 (A, B, C, D, E) between 27.5 GHz and 27.8 GHz, and a reception band 360 has five 60 MHz receive subbands 362 (A, B, C, D, E) between 28.05 GHz and 28.35 GHz. A guard band of 250 MHz between 27.8 GHz and 28.05 GHz reduces interference between the transmission band 250 and the reception band 260 , Each participant cell 42 in the service area 16 corresponds to one of four subbands 352 and 362 (A, B, C, D) for transmission and reception connections to a CPE 18 and BPE 20 , Every subband 352 and 362 corresponds to different transmission and reception frequencies, and the cells 42 are arranged in such a way that no two adjacent cells 42 use the same frequency subbands. The fifth subband 352 and 362 (E) provides send and receive connections to the gateway devices 22 ready. This fifth subband provides flexibility in deploying and upgrading transfer devices 22 or change of communication frequencies or procedures applicable to the CPE 18 and BPE 20 be used. With other spectrum options, such as 38 GHz, the communication system can 10 use other similar frequency plans.

The communication system 10 uses MMW frequencies to transmit wireless broadband data and relatively small cells 42 in the service area 16 to form with small antennas. Terrestrial LMDS systems use about 1 GHz bandwidth at 28 GHz to provide local distribution of broadband services. Paths in this system are nearly tangential to the earth and must not exceed 5 kilometers due to damping caused by rain. For airborne systems like the communication system 10 reduces the minimum viewing angle 306 the part of the path that crosses the volume of large rainfall rates. In addition, high gain antennas produce components in the communication system 10 narrow or narrow beams to form cells 42 , which results in a high gain that extends the range capability of MMW signals. parameter value Carrier frequency, GHz 28 TX power, dBm, total 20.00 Number of carriers 1.00 Power per carrier, dB 20.00 TX antenna feed loss, dB 0.90 TX antenna gain, dB 34,00 Area or cell radius, km 35,00 Path (area) loss (free space) 152.02 RX antenna gain 34,00 Received signal power, dBm -64.92 Boltzmann constant 1,38E-23 Temperature, degrees Kelvin 290 Noise density, No (dBm) -173.98 Effective receiver noise figure dB 9.00 alpha 0.21 Coding rate, R 0.78 Modulation order, m 2.00 Bitrate, Mbps 51.84 RX noise bandwidth, MHz 40.21 RX-noise power -88.93 Min Eb / No BER 1E-9, QPSK, Conv & R-S code r = 0.78 6.00 Min C / N, BER 1E-9 4.90 Realization loss, dB 1.00 Received C / N, dB 23,01 Clear air reserve, dB 18.11 Rainfall (Dallas, 99.9%), mm / h 63 Rain Damping, Dallas, 99.9% 11.2 Rain damped reserve, dB 6.91 TABLE 1 - Path Loss Calculations at 28 GHz

TABLE 1 summarizes the results of a typical path loss analysis in the communication system 10 together. A connection plan takes a minimal point of view 306 of 30 degrees. A minimal angle of view 306 of 20 degrees adds about 3 dB to the path loss. This lowers the link reserve from about 7dB to 4dB. Typically, rainfall attenuation on LEO satellite systems at this frequency and with a viewpoint of approximately 40 degrees is approximately 12 dB, while rainfall attenuation for terrestrial systems with a connection substantially horizontal to the ground is approximately 18 dB.

To calculate the connection plan is the skew distance between terrestrial devices and the ASN 14 35 km, the gain of both the airborne and ground antennas is 34 dB and the power transmitted by both the airborne segment and the earth segment is 100 mW at 28 GHz. For this analysis, the QPSK modulation communication system uses a rate 7/8 unfolding code associated with a Reed-Solomon (204.188) code, a bandwidth excess factor of 0.21 with an assumed maximum bit error rate (BER) of 10 ^-9 , to obtain an OC-1 (ie, 51.84 Mbps) equivalent information rate. The calculations assume a rainfall rate that allows a connection availability of 99.9. The results of this analysis indicate a reserve of nearly 7 dB even after rain damping. The communication system 10 can increase this reserve by up to 10 dB if the transmitted power were increased to 1 W, and by another 3 dB through Ver improve the receiver noise figure.

The propagation of the MMW signals takes place according to the line of sight. Trees and buildings, vehicles and terrain usually cause an unacceptable path loss. The big minimum angle 306 minimizes this effect, and the communication system 10 takes an obstacle-free path between the transmitter and the receiver. Attrition methods include increasing the height of terrestrial devices, providing alternate nodes, and removing deadlocks.

Also When the present invention in various embodiments has been described the expert innumerable changes, Variations, modifications, transformation and modifications proposed and it is intended that the present invention such changes, Variations, Modifications, Transformations and Modifications as in the area of the attached Claims falling includes.

Claims (29)

System ( 10 ) for providing communication for a plurality of devices ( 18 . 20 . 22 ) operating in a service area ( 16 ) are arranged on the earth, which has a multiplicity of cells ( 42 ), the system being an aircraft ( 12 ) over the service area ( 16 ) and that an airborne switching node ( 14 ), which has an antenna section ( 160 ), wherein the airborne switching node ( 14 ) can be operated to: through the antenna section ( 160 ) a plurality of aligned beams ( 40 ) in different directions to the service area ( 16 ) so that each beam ( 40 ) of a respective cell ( 42 ) in the service area ( 16 ), the directions of the beams ( 40 ) with regard to the aircraft ( 12 ), including compensation for the movement of the aircraft ( 12 ) with respect to the earth, and through the antenna section ( 160 ) receive respective signals received from the plurality of devices ( 18 . 20 . 22 ), which are located in the service area ( 16 ), and each such received signal on one of the beams ( 40 ) to one of the devices ( 18 . 20 . 22 ), unlike the device ( 18 . 20 . 22 ) from which the signal was received. System ( 10 ) according to claim 1, wherein the airborne switching node ( 14 ) an adapter ( 170 ) containing the orientation of the antenna section ( 160 ) with regard to the aircraft ( 12 ) under the control of the airborne switching node ( 14 ) mechanically adjusts the setting of the beams ( 40 ) with regard to the aircraft ( 12 ) to facilitate. System ( 10 ) according to claim 2, wherein the adapter is operable to cause a tilting movement of the antenna portion with respect to the aircraft about at least one axis extending approximately horizontally. System ( 10 ) according to claim 2, wherein the adapter ( 170 ) can be operated to prevent rotation of the antenna section ( 160 ) with regard to the aircraft ( 12 ) to effect an approximately vertical axis. System ( 10 ) according to claim 4, wherein the adapter ( 170 ) the antenna section ( 160 ) to maintain a substantially constant compass orientation of the antenna section (FIG. 160 ) to maintain. System ( 10 ) according to claim 2, wherein the antenna section ( 160 ) comprises at least one phased array antenna operable to electronically adjust the directions of the beams ( 40 ) to effect. System ( 10 ) according to claim 1, wherein the antenna section ( 160 ) comprises at least one phased array antenna operable to electronically adjust the directions of the beams ( 40 ) to effect. System ( 10 ) according to claim 1, wherein the antenna section ( 160 ) a plurality of antenna parts ( 166 ), each of the devices ( 18 . 20 . 22 ) in a respective subgroup of cells ( 42 ) in the service area ( 16 ) are assigned and serve them. System ( 10 ) according to claim 8, wherein each of the antenna parts ( 166 ) a transmitting antenna ( 200 ) and a receiving antenna ( 202 ) having. System ( 10 ) according to claim 5, wherein the antenna section ( 160 ) includes a platform having a central portion with an angled protruding edge ( 164 ) extending around it, one of the antenna parts ( 166 ) is supported on the central portion and other antenna parts ( 166 ) on the angled projecting edge ( 164 ) are supported along along spaced from each other points. System ( 10 ) according to claim 10, wherein: the antenna part ( 166 ) which is mounted on the central portion, can be operated to generate beams ( 40 ) on cells ( 42 ) in the middle of the service area ( 16 ), and the antenna parts ( 166 ) attached to the angled protruding edge ( 164 ), can be operated to remove rays ( 40 ) to respective groups of cells ( 42 ), which is the center of the service area ( 16 ) surround. System ( 10 ) according to claim 1, wherein the airborne switching node ( 14 ) a packet switching device ( 214 ) contains the packet data through the antenna section ( 160 ) of a first of the devices ( 18 . 20 . 22 ) in the service area ( 16 ) and receives the packet data to the antenna section ( 160 ) for transmission to a second of the devices ( 18 . 20 . 22 ) in the service area ( 16 ). System ( 10 ) according to claim 1, wherein the airborne switching node ( 14 ) comprises: a memory ( 216 ), an association between the beams ( 40 ) and the cells ( 42 ), wherein the airborne switching node ( 14 ) the assignment in the memory when performing a handover of a beam ( 40 ) between cells ( 42 ), and a packet switching device ( 214 ), the packet data through the antenna section ( 160 ) of a first of the devices ( 18 . 20 . 22 ) located in one of the cells ( 42 ), to the memory ( 216 ) to obtain a target beam ( 40 ), a second of the devices ( 18 . 20 . 22 ) associated with one of the cells ( 42 ) and the packet data for transmission to the second device ( 18 . 20 . 22 ) using the aiming beam ( 40 ) to the antenna section ( 160 ). System ( 10 ) according to claim 1, wherein the devices ( 18 . 20 . 22 ) comprise: a plurality of subscriber devices, each using a plurality of first frequency bands with the airborne switching node (10); 14 ) and a gateway device that communicates with the airborne switching node (12) using a second frequency band that is different from the first frequency bands. 14 ) communicates. System ( 10 ) according to claim 14, wherein the antenna section ( 160 A first part that facilitates communication with the subscriber devices using phased array antenna technology and has a second part that is separate from the first part and that enables communication with the gateway device using technology different from phased array antenna technology different. System ( 10 ) according to claim 1, wherein the airborne switching node BU (14) is equipped with the devices ( 18 . 20 . 22 ) using a frequency band intended for terrestrial communication. System ( 10 ) according to claim 1, wherein the airborne switching node ( 14 ) a pilot transmitter ( 204 ), which is a pilot signal ( 208 ) and at least one of the devices ( 18 . 20 . 22 ) comprises: an antenna for receiving the pilot signal ( 208 ) and an antenna tracking device ( 280 ) to the antenna in dependence on the pilot signal ( 208 ) to be placed on the airborne switching node ( 14 ). System ( 10 ) according to claim 1, wherein the antenna section ( 160 ) to simultaneously transmit each of the plurality of aligned beams ( 40 ). System ( 10 ) according to claim 1, wherein the airborne switching node ( 14 ) to communicate with a satellite. System ( 10 ) according to claim 1, which is another aircraft ( 12 ), which has a further airborne switching node ( 14 ) having a communication for a plurality of further devices ( 18 . 20 . 22 ) located in another service area ( 16 ), the airborne switching nodes ( 14 ) can be operated to communicate with each other. Method for providing a communication for a plurality of devices ( 18 . 20 . 22 ) operating in a service area ( 16 ), which is located on the earth and which has a multiplicity of cells ( 42 ), the method comprising the steps of: flying an aircraft ( 12 ) over the service area ( 16 ), the aircraft ( 12 ) an airborne switching node ( 14 ), which has an antenna section ( 160 ), emission of a plurality of aligned beams ( 40 ) through the antenna section ( 160 ) in different directions to the service area ( 16 ), so that each beam ( 40 ) of a respective cell ( 42 ) in the service area ( 16 ), adjusting the directions of the beams ( 40 ) with regard to the aircraft ( 12 ), including compensation for the movement of the aircraft ( 12 ) with respect to the earth, and receiving respective signals through the antenna section ( 160 ), which depend on the multiplicity of devices ( 18 . 20 . 22 ), which are located in the service area ( 16 ) and transmitting each such received signal on one of the beams ( 40 ) to one of the devices ( 18 . 20 . 22 ), which is different than the device ( 18 . 20 . 22 ) from which this signal was received. A method according to claim 21, wherein the adjusting step comprises the step of electronically adjusting the directions of the beams ( 40 ) with regard to the aircraft ( 12 ) having. A method according to claim 21, wherein the adjusting step comprises the step of mechanically adjusting the orientation of the antenna section (16). 160 ) with regard to the aircraft ( 12 ) to the directions of the beams ( 40 ) with regard to the aircraft ( 12 ). A method according to claim 23, wherein the mechanical adjusting step comprises the step of rotating the antenna section (16). 160 ) with regard to the aircraft ( 12 ) to maintain a substantially constant compass orientation of the antenna section (FIG. 160 ) to maintain. The method of claim 21, wherein the airborne switching node ( 14 ) a memory ( 216 ) having an association between the beams ( 40 ) and the cells ( 42 ) and that the step of updating the allocation in the memory ( 216 ) when performing a handover of a beam ( 40 ) between cells ( 42 ) having. The method of claim 21 including the step of causing the antenna portion (16) to 160 ) with the devices ( 18 . 20 . 22 ) using a frequency band intended for terrestrial communication. The method of claim 21, further comprising the step of causing the antenna portion (16) to 160 ) a pilot signal ( 208 ) to enable terrestrial antenna tracking. The method of claim 21, wherein the devices ( 18 . 20 . 22 ) comprise a plurality of subscriber devices and a gateway, and comprising the steps of: causing the subscriber devices to each use one of a plurality of first frequency bands with the airborne switching node (10); 14 ) and causing the gateway device to communicate with the airborne switching node using a second frequency band different from the first frequency bands (FIG. 14 ) communicates. The method of claim 21 including the step of causing the antenna portion (16) to 160 ) a simultaneous transmission of each of the plurality of aligned beams ( 40 ).